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SERMON, 

DELIVERED AT WESTON, 
JAJsrUARY 12, 1813, 

ON THE 

TERMINATION OF A CENTURY 

SINCE THE 

INCORPORATION OF THE TOWN. 



BY SAMUEL KENDAL, D.D. 

Minister of said town. 



PUBLISHED At THE JiEQUEST OF THE HEARERS. 



"^ CAMBRIDGE: 

PRINTED BY MILLIARD AND METCALF; 

1813. 




n U. S. A. 



f1' 






CENTURY SERMON, 



PSALM Ixxvii. 5. 

I HAVK CONSIDERED THE DAYS OF OLD, THE TEARS OF 
ANCIENT TIMES. 

Xo examine tlie records of antiquity is not an idle 
curiosity, nor useless labour. They not only gratify 
a.n inquisitive mind, but impart profitable instruction 
to every succeeding generation. They exhibit virtues 
worthy of imitation, or rear beacons to admonish those 
Avho live in subsequent times of the dangers to which 
they are exposed. If reviewed with attention, and 
applied with care, by such as come upon the stage at 
later periods, many evils might be avoided, or advan- 
tages secured, which are felt, or not enjoyed, because 
men do not permit days to speak, and the multitude of 
years to teach wisdom. 

We can contemplate transactions and events of a 
remote date without that excitement and interest, 
which those of a similar nature, passing in our own 
time, often produce in our feelings ; and we can always 
judge best what is right when passion and interest have 
the least influence on our decision. By the judgment 
we pass upon men and things of tormer days we fix 
a kind of standard for our own conduct, placing in 



view the virtues to be imitated, and the errours to be 
avoided. It is therefore a dictate of sound wisdom, and 
of common prudence, to coiisider the days of old, the 
I/ears of ancient times. In this way we become conver- 
sant with our fathers, who long since have slept in the 
dust, and receive instruction from them, and from what 
passed in their day. Though dead, they yet speak to 
their offspring in the records of their deeds, or in the 
historick page. 

When we look back to their time, we trace, and 
are constrained to acknowledge, the hand of a merci- 
ful providence protecting and directing them, sustain- 
ing them in their trials, crowning their enterprises 
with success, and giving them a permanent establish- 
ment in this land. 

What God did for our fathers had a distant rela- 
tion to us their descendants, and continues to have an 
effect on our condition. Contemplating the ways of 
providence in past ages, and considering the events 
which had a remote bearing upon the destinies of the 
present generation, we discover motives to gratitude 
and obedience, and find encouragement to cherish 
humble confidence in the wisdom and goodness of the 
divine government. 

Convinced of its general utility and happy moral 
tendency, Moses, a little before his death, gave to Israel 
this command : " Remember die days of old, consider 
the years of many generations ; ask thy father, and he 
will shew thee ; thy elders, and they will tell thee," 
The psalmist recognises this precept, and teaches its 
y$e gnd design. " Give ear, O my people, to my law ; 



incline your car to the words of my mouth. I will 
open my mouth in a parable ; I will utter dark sayings 
of old ; which we have heard and known, and our 
fathers have told us. We will not hide them from 
their children, shewing to the generation to come, the 
praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonder- 
ful works that he hath done. For he established a tes- 
timony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel ; which 
he commanded our fathers, that they should make 
them known to their children ; that the generation to 
come might know them, even the children which 
should be born ; who should arise and declare them 
to their children ; that they might set their hope in 
Godf and not forget the works of God ; hut keep his 
commandmentsJ*'* By this law each preceding was re- 
quired to instruct the succeeding generation in those 
things which belonged to the early history of that peo- 
ple> and to rehearse to the young the events of former 
days. The object of this law in Israel was, that the 
children might see and avoid the sins and provocations 
of their fathers, perceive the hand of God in all that 
happened to them, place their own hope in him, and 
keep his commandments. The same valuable pur- 
poses may still be answered by recurring to antiquity, 
and, as it were, bringing our fathers again upon the 
stage of action, and taking counsel from them. It 
may be as useful to us, as it was designed to be to 
Israel, to cojisider the days of old ^ the years of ancient 
times^ and notice both the virtues and errours of those 
that have gone before us, and mark the footsteps of 
divine providence in respect to the setdement of New 
England. 



The present is a period which invites us to review 
ancient times. On this day we complete a century 
since the incorporation of the town. In the publick 
register, taken from the state records, as I find by com- 
paring them, the act of incorporation is dated Jan. 1 , 
1712, without the double dating, 1712-13, usual ai 
that period. This circumstance, which is not, I be* 
lieve, peculiar to Weston, is calculated to lead into 
errour with respect to the true date of events. Had 
January been then reckoned the first month of the 
year, the date of the act of incorporation would have 
stood, Jan. 1, 1713, which, allowing the difference of 
eleven days between Old and New Style, brings the 
elose of the century to Jan. 12, 1813. 

In proof of the correctness of this statement, I 
shall adduce what I think will be deemed conclusive 
evidence. Mr. Williams, then the minister of this 
place, made an entry in the book of church records in 
these words, " A brief and true record of the ecclesi- 
astical affairs of the church, in the west part of Water- 
town, commonly called JFatertown Farms — made a 
distinct town Jan. 1, 1712-13, and called Weston,'''' 
With this agree the records of the precinct, and of the 
first town meeting, called by a warrant from a justice 
of the peace, to be holden, March 2, 1712-13. But, 
what is decisive upon the point, Watertown records 
state that the petition of the Farmers to be dismissed, 
in order to their being a township, was laid before the 
town. May 12, 1712, and that the prayer of it was 
granted, under certain stipulations, Dec. 2, 1712. 
These dates are subsequent to that which some have 



supposed the true date of the incorporation of tiic 
town. The separate records now adduced, which 
were made by different persons at the same time, and 
in different books, are sufficient to correct the errour, 
and to shew that we have fixed the close of the century 
in the proper year. I have been thus particular on 
this subject, because I apprehend that, for want of at- 
tention to it, frequent mistakes are committed as to 
the true dates of events. 

Without confining myself to the centurj^ now 
closed, or to things that relate to this town only, I shall 
occupy the time allotted on this occasion with some 
general observations, historical sketches, and reflec- 
tions. As Cowper has elegantly said — 

*'GoJ moves in a mysterious way. 

His counsels (o perform! 
He marks his footsteps on the sea. 

And rides upon the storm!" 

This sentiment applies to the state of our fathers 
in their native country, to their crossing the mighty 
deep, and to their gaining possession of this good land. 
As, when Israel was about to be delivered from their 
Egyptian bondage, so when our ancestors were to be 
freed from oppression, and transported to a land of 
freedom, there were preparatory events. In both 
cases tyranny hastened the accomplishment of the 
grand designs of providence. 

Before our fathers left England the principles of 
the reformation had taken deep root in that island, 
and the protestant religion become the establish- 
ed religion of the country. Many, however, were 



for carrying the reformation to what they conceived 
a greater degree of perfection than they found in the 
national establishment. A purer church, a more 
simple mode of worship, and stricter discipline were 
principal objects with the most zealous reformers 
of early times. Hence, if not from any extraordinary 
sanctity of their life and conversation, they acquired 
the appellation of Puritans. They received this name 
about the middle of the sixteenth century. Acces- 
sions were made to their numbers of distinguished 
characters among the clergy and laity. The dominant 
party, who were friends to the national church, or dig- 
nitaries in it, attempted, under the authority of gov- 
ernment, to enforce uniformity in the mode of worship. 
This, like all other attempts to overrule the conscience 
by mere authority, only strengthened the resolution of 
the Puritans, and induced others to examine and es- 
pouse their cause. The consequence was a fixed de- 
termination in no inconsiderable portion of the best 
men in the nation not to conform to the established 
mode of worship. Hence the name oi Nojiconfonnists. 
This resistance wounded prelatical pride and ambition, 
and called the spirit of persecution into activity. The 
rod of power fell upoa the Puritans^ ov Nonconformists ^ 
with various degrees of seventy. Ministers were si- 
lenced, or punished with rigour for attempting to per- 
form their sacred functions.* Among these many 
were emiricnt for learning a. id piety. 

* As late as 1662, after the restoration of Charfes II, a 
severe edict was passed, reqiurins; unifarniity in worshjp, and 
by virtue of it two lliousaud ministers are saiJ to have been 
ejected from their office and livings. 



After these things had been long endured in Eng- 
land, and were still experienced by the Puritans^ with 
various aggravations, America offered an asylum to 
the oppressed. With humble confidence in God, and 
an invincible fortitude of mind, they determined to 
seek a retreat in a wilderness, where they hoped to 
enjoy civil and religious liberty. With astonishing 
efforts, patience, and perseverance, they pursued and 
obtained the object. The American desert, and its 
savage inhabitants received these outcasts, or volunta- 
ry exiles, from their native land. 

A regard to truth requires it to be distinctly stated, 
that the Puritans did not differ from tlie established 
church of England in articles of faith, or points of doc- 
trine ; but in modes of worship, and in ecclesiastical 
government. Our fathers disclaimed the idea of sep- 
arating from that church on account of its doctrines ; 
but they could not be reconciled to the hierarchy, nor 
adopt its rituals. They however viewed it as a true 
church, engaged in defence of the protestant cause. 

In proof of the correctness of these observations, 
we adduce the following evidence : Mr. Francis Hig- 
ginson, a sufferer for his nonconformity in that country, 
and afterward a minister of the first church planted in 
Massachusetts, when the vessel, in which he had em- 
barked for New England, came to the land's end, call- 
ed his children and other passengers together, and 
thus addressed them : " We will not say as the sepa- 
ratists were wont to say at their leaving of England, 
Farewell Babylon ! Farewell Rome ! But we will say. 
Farewell dear England ! Farewell the church of God 



in England, and all christian friends there ! We do 
not go to New England as separatists from the church 
of England, though we cannot but separate from the 
corruptions in it, but we go to practise the positive 
part of church reformation, and to propagate the gos- 
pel in America.""* 

The synod that met at Cambridge, 1648, compos- 
ed of elders and messengers from the churches of Mas- 
sachusetts, in their preface to the Platform drawn up 
by them, express themselves thus : " Our churches 
here, as (by the grace of Christ) we believe and pro- 
fess the same doctrine of the truth of the gospel, which 
generally is received in all the reformed churches of 
Christ in Europe, so especially we desire not to vary 
from the doctrine cf faith and truth held forth by the 
churces of our native country. For though it be not 
one native country that can breed us all to one mind ; 
nor ought we to have the glorious faith of our Lord Je- 
sus with respect to persons, yet as Paul, who was him- 
self a Jew, professed to hold forth the doctrine of jus- 
tification by faith, and of the resurrection of the dead, 
according as he knew his godly country-men did, who 
were Jews by nature, (Gal. ii, 15. Acts xxvi, 6, 7.) 
so we, who ai'e by nature English-men, do desire to 
hold forth the same doctrine of religion (especially in 
fundamentals) which we see and know to be held by 
the churches of England^ according to the truth of the 
gospel." 

It appears that, in the estimation of the first di- 
vines and churches of Massachusetts, the English 
* Eliot's Bios;. Diet. p. 252. 



11 

church had embraced the true protestant faith, and 
that circumstantials ojily were the ground of difference 
between that church and the Puritans ^ or Noncon- 
formists. On this ground, however, our fathers ex- 
perienced great privation, vexation, and suffering. If 
it be said, on the one hand, that they were too ardent, 
and that they were actuated by a spirit of enthusiasm ; 
it must be allowed, on the other, that they were cru- 
elly oppressed, and that, in general, they preserved a 
fair character. But, strange as it may seem, when 
they were fixed in this country, they discovered but 
little less zeal to preserve uniformity in faith and wor- 
ship, than those had done, from whose persecuting 
measures they fled into the American wilderness. 
They were too deeply tinctured with the spirit of the 
times. But, after every deduction candour will ad- 
mit, or even malice suggest, their characters were tru» 
ly venerable, and ought to be held in admiration by 
their descendants. 

The energies of man, some of the strongest fea- 
tures in the human character, are called into exercise, 
or displayed, in times of peculiar trial. Borne 
down with oppression, but entertaining a high sense 
of civil and religious freedom, our fathers conceived 
the plan of resigning all the comforts and convenien- 
ces of dieir native soil, crossing an ocean three thou- 
sand miles in breaddi, and planting themselves in an 
unexplored wilderness. This was a hazardous under- 
taking, a bold design, which their more effeminate 
sons would hardly conceive and execute without a suc- 
<:essful example to encourage their hope. 



12 

Religious motives had a predominant influence 
with the first emigrants to this country. Hope in God 
was their support, and his providence their protection. 

In 1620 a company of 101 persons arrived on this 
coast, late in the season, landed at Plymouth, and laid 
the foundation of that colony. 

Within the five succeeding years Massachusetts 
Bay was explored, and a settlement attempted at Cape 
Ann ; but Naumkeak, afterwards called Salem, was 
chosen as a more convenient place for a plantation. 
Progress was made in the three following years in pre- 
paration to settle a colony in Massachusetts. A pro- 
ject was formed, in particular, by the Rev. Mr. White 
of Dorchester, England, for providing an asylum in 
this colony for silenced nonconformist ministers. The 
grantees favoured the design. In 1628 Mr. John En- 
dicot with others came over, and commenced a per- 
manent settlement at Salem, the first town that was 
planted in Massachusetts. In 1629 an accession was 
made to their ftumber. The Rev. Samuel Skelton, 
Rev. Francis Higginson, and about two hundred oth- 
ers arrived this year. One of their first objects, after 
their arrival, was to form themselves into a church 
state, and provide for the regular administration of the 
divine word and ordinances. *' Mr. Skelton being as- 
sociated with Mr. Higginson, in the work of the min- 
istry, a day of religious preparation was observed."* 
The church at Plymouth was invited to attend the 
proposed solemnity of gathering a church, and or(Jain^ 
ing its officers.! 

* Dr. Eliot's Biog. Die. p. 252. 

t Dr. Holmes' American Annals, i. 350. 



13 

But so extremely cautious were these first planters 
of Massachusetts of admitting any thing that might in- 
fringe on the entire christian Hberty of the churches, 
that they entered into an agreement, " that the church 
of Salem would not acknowledge any ecclesiastical ju- 
risdiction in the church at Plymouth. And that the 
authority of ordination should not exist in the cler- 
gy, as in the protestant churches, but, as the unquali- 
fied sense of the reformed churches, should entirely 
depend upon the free election of the members o£ the 
church, and that there should be a representative of 
this power continually in the church."* The right 
of a particular church to induct to office as well, as to 
choose its own officers, Mhen occasion requires, is re- 
cognised and maintained in the Cambridge Platform, 
chap. 9th. 

They who laid the foundation of the church at Sa- 
lem entered into a solemn covenant, a copy of which 
was presented to each member. Extracts from this 
covenant will shew how little respect they paid to the 
authority of human creeds, and how determined they 
were to adhere to the scriptures, as the rule of their 
faith and practice. They say, " We covenant with the 
Lord and with one another, and do bind ourselves, in 
the presence of God, to walk together in all his ways, 
according as he is pleased to reveal himself unto us in 
his blessed word of truth."! • • • • Mark, they did not 
engage to adopt any human formulary, as the guide of 
their faith and duty ; but to learn the will of the Lord 
from his word. 

* Eliot's Biog. Die. p. 1.73. + Coll. His. Soc vi. 283. 



14 

The Shorter Catechism had not then made its ap- 
pearance. Its birth was of a later date. Had it been 
framed and pubhshed, at that early period, we cannot 
say how much deference the pious founders of the 
church at Salem might have paid to this particular 
invention, or interpretation, of men; but, from 
the second article in their covenant, we should not 
suspect that they would have adopted it, as the basis of 
their communion^ or taken it, instead of the scriptures, 
as the rule of their faith. In the second article of 
their covenant they express themselves thus : " We 
promise to give ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ, 
and to the word of his grace, for the teaching, ruling, 
and sanctifying of us, in matters of worship and con- 
versation ; resolving to cleave to him alone for life 
and glory, and to oppose all contrary waysy canons, and 
constitutions of men in his worship.^''* 

If the example of these Puritans, who suffered so 
much for their nonconformity to human systems, had 
been followed to the present time, the holy scriptures, 
which heaven has given as the rule of our faith, would 
not so often have been dishonoured, or obscured, by 
creeds of human structure. Nor is it likely, it is hum- 
bly conceived, that there would have been, at this day, 
so great a diversity of sentiment among christians, as 
is supposed to exist. A common standard, and that 
confessedly given from heaven, must be the best mea- 
sure of faith and duty. But it must be applied accord- 
ing to every person's own judgment so far as it relates 
to himself. 

* Coll. His. Soc. vi. 28.?. 



15 

In conformity to their avowed principles " this 
ancient church" (the first church at Salem) " was or- 
ganized, August 6, 1629."* " They ordained their 
ministers, by the imposition of the hands of some of 
the brethren appointed by the church. Governor 
Bradford and others, messengers from the church of 
Plymouth, gave them the right hand of fellowship,"! 
thus testifying their approbation of the adopted regula- 
tions of that church, and expressing for it their chris- 
tian affection, charity, and fellowship. 

If the clergy of this country should assume the 
sole power of ordination, or refuse fellowship with 
such churches, or their ministers, as choose to pre- 
serve the right and freedom of election, and to have 
men of their own choice set over them in the Lord, 
they would trespass against the rule and example of 
our forefathers, if not against the laws of christian char- 
ity. 

This year, 1629, a number removed from Salem, 
and laid the foundation of Charlestown. 

There being no relaxation of the severity practised 
in England upon the nonconformists, the number of 
emigrants to New England greatly increased in 1630. 
A spirit of enterprise doubtless gave activity to other 
causes that operated in producing the effect, and in an- 
imating the courage and religious zeal of the sufferers 
in their native land. Fourteen ships (some say more) 
with about fifteen hundred passengers, arrived in the 
summer of this year. " In this fleet came passengers 

* Eliot's Biog. Die. p. 253. 
t Holmes' Amer. Ann. i. 2i30. 



16 

governour Wiiitlirop, deputy go vernour Dudley, with 
several other gentlemen of wealth and quality."* 

The Rev. John Warham, the first ancestor of my 
wives and children that ever trod New England ground, 
mostly in the female line,t with the Rev. John Maverick, 

* Amer. Ann. i. 254). 

t Mr. Warham, after spending about five years as teacher 
at Dorchester, removed, with most ol* the church, and some 
people from Watertown and Newtown, to what is now called 
"Windsor, in Connecticut. Here he was pastor until his death, 
April 1, 1670. Mr. Richard Mather, the ancestor of all the 
great men of the name in this country, having been twice silenc- 
ed in England for his nonconformity, arrived in New Eng- 
land, in 1635, and was ordained at Dorchester, August 23, 
1636. In 1661 his son Eleazer was ordained the first pastor 
at Northampton, and married a daughter of the Rev. John 
Warham of Windsor, by whom he had an only daughter, nam- 
ed Eunice. Mr. John Williams, son of Mr. Samuel Williams 
of Roxbury, born Dec. 10, 1664^, was ordained first pastor of 
the church at Deerfield, in May 1686, and married the only 
daughter of Mr. Mather of Northampton, and grand daughter 
of Mr. Warham. Mr. Warham Williams, who was minister 
at Waltham (originally part of Watertown) was son of Rev. 
John Williams of Deerfield, and the youngest child that escap- 
ed death, on the fatal night of 29th of Feb. 1704, when the 
Indians destroyed that town, and killed, or carried into captiv- 
ity, most of its inhabitants. Mr. Warham Williams of Wal- 
tham was the father of the late Mrs. Abigail Woodward, the 
only wife of my immediate predecessor. Rev. Samuel Wood- 
ward. Abigail and Miranda, the two oldest daughters of Rev. 
Samuel Woodward, and Abigail his wife, have been succes- 
sively the wives of the writer, and mothers of his children, who 
are descended, in a direct ministerial line, without interrup- 
tion, from the Rev. John Warham, and Rev Richard Mather, 
both ministers of Dorchester. 



17 

Mr. Rossiter, Mr. Ludlow, and some others, arriving 
earlier than most of the company, were put on shore 
at Nantasket. Thence they proceeded to Charles- 
town in a boat. Here they found " a few English peo- 
ple, and one house with an old planter, who could 
speak the Indian language." Taking him into their 
company, consisting of not more than ten, " they as- 
cended Charles river, until it became narrow and 
shallow, and landed their goods at a well watered place ; 
whence, in a few days after, they removed to Matapan 
(some say by order) and here beg:m to build a town." 
This comnanv having: landed on the bank of Charles ri- 
ver, at night they had notice of 300 Indians " hard 
by ;" but the old planter (who had accompanied the 
adventurers from Charlestown) going, and requesting 
them not to come near the English, they complied with 
his request. The next morning some of the natives 
appeared at a distance ; and one of them at length 
holding out a bass, a man was sent with a biscuit, 
which the Indian received in exchange for it. After 
this introduction, the natives were very friendly, and 
furnished the English with fish ; " giving a bass for 

The Rev. John Williams relumed from his long and dis- 
tressing captivity, and, after an absence of about three years, 
resumed his ministerial office at Deerfield, in which he con- 
tinued until June 13, 1729, w hen he suddenly died of an apo- 
plexy, having just entered upon the 44th year of his ministry, 
and being in the 65th year of his age ; not in the 48th year of 
his ministry and 66th of his age, as the Rev. John Taylor, 
late minister of Deerfield, has stated in his appendix to the 
Redeemed Captive, sixth edition, p. 212.* 
* Redeemed Captive, and Eliot's Biog. Die. 

3 



18 

a biscuit."* There is a place in Watertown, known 
by the name of Dorchester Fields, which tradition says 
is the spot upon which tliese Enghshmen first landed. 
Soon after their removal to Matapan, Sir Richard Sal- 
tonstal, Rev. George Phillips, and others began a per- 
manent settlement at Watertown. 

" At the second court of assistants held at Charles- 
town, September 7, 1G30, it was ordered," among 
other things, " that Trimountain be called Boston ; 
Matapan Dorchester ; and the town upon Charles riv- 
er Watertown."t I know of no other act of incor- 
poration. Situated in an unexplored wilderness, the 
boundaries of Watertown were indefinite. The next 
year a settlement was begun at Newtown, afterwards 
Cambridge. In 1634 the bounds between these two 
towns were settled ;J according to which Watertown 
bordered north, east, and south on Newtown. The 
south-westerly and westerly limits were undefined un^ 
til the incorporation of Concord, Dedham, and Sud- 
bury, upon which it then bounded. From Newtown, 
or Cambridge, on the north, east, and south, extend- 
ing westwardly, Watertown included what is now Wa- 
tertown, Waltham, Weston, and a part of Lincoln. 

The exact period when what is now called Wes- 
ton began to be settled is not known ; but it must have 
been pretty early ; for there are still standing houses, 
or parts of houses, which were erected about one hun- 
dred and forty years ago. In ecclesiastical affairs, 
however, this town was connected with Watertown 

* Ainer. Ann. in a note, i. 255. 

f Prince's Chron. p. 2iS, 349. \ State Records. 



19 

about sixty eight, and in civil concerns about eighty 
three years. The tradition is, that the inhabitants of 
the remote westerly part of this town went to worship 
at the remote easterly part of Watertown, at a house 
not i'ar from the old burying place. In this they man- 
ifested a zeal for the house and worship of God, not 
often found among their descendants. 

As the fathers of this town were so long interested 
in them, it will not be irrelevant to my purpose to give 
a sketch of the ecclesiastical history of Watertown 
from its first settlement, at least to the time of our sep- 
aration from it. 

The first church in Massachusetts was planted at 
Salem ; the second at Charlcstown, including Boston ; 
the third at Dorchester ; the fourth at Roxbury ; the 
fifth at Lynn, and the sixth at Watertown.* Of the 

* In placing the churches in tliis order I have followed 
Dr. Hol'-nes' Amer. Ann. i. 262; tiiough he has placed the 
date of their formation one year too late, as the author of 
Wonderworking Providence had done before him. This last 
author, Mather's Magnal. and Coil. His. Soc. call the church 
at Watertown the sereuf/i, numbering that at Boston the fourth. 
This must be an errour ;t for Wintlirop's Journal, p. 45,. 
Prince's Chron. p. 2.'50, and Emerson's Hist, of First Church, 
probably taken from the records of that church, the best evi- 
dence to be had, place the division of the original church, 
composed of members in Charlcstown and Boston, Oct. 14, 
1632 5 which was certainly after tlie other six churches had 
been formed. 

By more attentively examining and comparing authorities, 
since the delivery of the discourse, I find reason to doubt the 
correctness of the order in which Watertown church is plac- 
ed. Without deciding positively on the qnestion, I shall ad- 

t [It is corrected in Hist. Coll. x. 314. A. H.'] 



20 

last the Rev. George Phillips, the ancestor of the late 
and present Lieut. Gov. Phillips, and other respecta- 

duce a number of authorities, and leave the subject for the in- 
vestigation of those who have more leisure, and think it of 
sufficient importance to engage their attention. According to 
Prince's Chron. 2i>2, 343, Gov. Winthrop proposed that July 
80, 1630, should be observed as a day of fasting and prayer, 
on account of the prevailing sickness, and with a view to seek 
the divine direction in their ecclesiastical affairs. The people 
at Salem and Plymouth were invited to keep the same day. 
The day was observed at Charle^town, " when Gov. Win- 
throp, Dep. Gov. Dudley, Mr. Johnson, and the Rev. Mr. 
Wilson, first enter into church covenant, and lay the founda- 
tion of the churches, both of Charlestown and afterwards of 
Boston." 

Of Watertown Mather, Magnal. B. Ill, chap. 4. pp. 83, 
S3, says, " Upon a day set apart for solemn fasting and prp*y- 
er, the very next month after they came ashore, they entered 
into this Holy Covenant, July 30, 1630." The covenant fol- 
lows. Mather considered this transaction as the formation of 
a church. He says, " About forty men, whereof the first was 
that excellent Knight Sir Richard Saltonstal, then subscribed 
this instrument, in order to their coalescence into a church 
state ; which I have the more particularly recited, because it 
was one of the first ecclesiastical transactions of this nature 
managed in the colony." Allen's Anier. Biog. and His. Die. 
476, assigns the same period to the church at Watertown. 
According to these authorities, when compared, it appears to 
have been co-eval with that at Charlestown. But from other 
testimonies it seems to have had a prior existence, and to have 
been second only to the church at Salem. Under date August 
37, 1630, Gov. Winthrop says. Journal SO, " We of the con- 
gregation kept a fast, and chose Mr. Wilson our teacher," &e j 
and he informs us, that other officers were that day chosen, 
and that all were ordained by the imposition of hands. Prince, 



21 

ble characters of the name, was the first minister, and 
continued in the office until July 1, 1644, the day of 
his death. 

In 1634 the Rev. John Sherman, who " received 
his first impressions of religion under the ministry of 
the femous John Rogers," came to this country, and 
preached his first sermon at Watertown, where he con- 
tinued some time an assistant to Mr. Phillips ; but af- 
ter a while removed to Newhaven, preached occasion- 

247, places Mr. Wilson's ordination on this day ; and says, it 
is " the first ordination of an elder in Massachusetts Bay." 
He here makes a distinction between elder and pastor and 
teacher ; ibr the two latter officers had been ordained at Sa- 
lem the preceding year. Amer. Ann. i. 256, place the founda- 
tion of Charlestown church, including Boston, at this period. 
Emerson's History of First Church, i>. 11, informs us, that" a 
covenant was formed and subscribed, August 27, 16iiO." To 
reconcile these authorities, may we not suppose that, July 30, 
1630, Gov. Winthrop, Dep. Gov. Dudley, Mr. Joliuson, and 
Rev. Mr. Wilson agreed upon a form of covenant, and took 
preparatory steps to the gathering of a church, which was ef- 
fected the 27 of the following month ? Wonderworking Prov- 
idence, speaking of Salem, does not allow that a cliurch can 
be constituted by a less number than seven men. Four only 
are mentioned in Prince's Cliron. as having covenanted at 
Charlestown, July 30, 1630. These might not consider them- 
selves to be a church, but design to prepare the way to erect 
one in due form. On the same day, July 30, 1630, at Water- 
town forty men subscribed a church covenant, and from that 
time seem to have been considered a distinct church. If there 
be no mistake in the historical facts now adduced, it would 
seem that Watertown church had a prior existence to the one 
at Charlestown, and was second only to that at Salem in the 
Massachusetts Bav. 



22 

ally in the vicinity, and at length was appointed a mag- 
istrate in that colony. 

In 1639 the Rev. John KnoUes came to New Eng. 
land, and was teacher with Mr. Phillips at Water- 
town until 1642, when, in consequence of letters from 
Virginia, soliciting ministerial assistance, he and Mr. 
Thompson of Braintree went to that colony. But on 
his arrival there he found both the form and spirit of 
the English church, and was not permitted to preach 
publickly on account of his non-conformity. He return- 
ed, and, I find by Watertown records, was associated 
with Mr. Sherman* in the ministry in 1648. He went 
back to England about 1650, and, alter suffering 
much persecution, died in old age. 

After the death of Mr. Piiiilips, the people of Wa- 
tertown applied to Mr. Sherman to settle wiih them in 
the ministry. He accepted their invitation, though 
requested, at the same time, to settle in a church at 
Boston, and invited by letter to return to London, and 
there enter into the ministry. Mr. Sherman was one 
of the most distinguished scholars of the age, and a 
great blessing to the College. " He was chosen fel- 
low of the corporation, and for thirty years delivered 
lectures which most of the students attended once a 
fortnight," walking from Cambridge to Watertown to 
enjoy the privilege. 

* For an account of Mr. Phillips, Mr. Sherman, and Mr. 
Knolles, or Knowles, see Mather's Magnal. book 3, chap. 3, 
p. 216, book 3, 2d part, chap. 4, p. 82, chap. 29, p. 162. El- 
iot's Biog. Die. 37r, 378, 427, 428. Allen's Amer. Biog. and 
His. Die. 476, i512. Holmes' Amer. Ann. i. 321. Palmer's 
non-eonformist ii. £49. &c. 



23 

The exact period of Mr. Sherman's settlement at 
Watertovvn I have not been able to ascertain. He 
was in of&ce there in 1648,* and continued in it until 
his death, August 8, 1685. He was taken sick at 
Sudbury, where he preached his last sermon, f 

The Rev. John Bailey was the immediate succes- 
sor of Mr. Sherman. His brother Thomas Bailey 
was for a short time his assistant. These brethren 
were ejected ministers in England, and came to New 
England in 1683, or 1684. It appears from the rec- 
ords of Water town that they botli resided in Boston. 
I find no intimation that either of them resided at 
Watertown previous to Mr. Sherman's death. June 
15, 1685, a committee was chosen to apply to Mr. Bai- 
ley (christian name not mentioned in the record) to come 
and dwell among the people at Watertown, and be an 
assistant to Mr. Sherman. August 24, 1685, about 
a fortnight after the decease of Mr. Sherman, the town 
applied to Mr. Bailey the eldest, which was Mr. John 
Bailey, to come and dwell among them, and labour in 
the ministrj'-. At a subsequent meeting the town vot- 
ed to be at the expense of transporting ^Ir. Bailey 
from and back to Boston, until they could provide a 

* The records of Watertown for several years previous to 
this date I have not found. The fact here stated is confirm- 
ed by the following extract : " At a general town meeting 
the 16 (7) IGiS, the town granted to pastor Knowles and pas- 
tor Sherman, 120 pounds for the year following, to be equally 
divided between them." 

t Mr. Sherman married twice, and \ia.dtwenty sia' children; 
six by his first, and twenty by his second wife, who lived hi* 
widow some years. 



24 

house for him and his family. He continued to labour 
amoi'g them, and early in 1686 manifested his accep- 
tance of their invitation to settle with them in the min- 
istry. He was ordained, Oct, 6, 1686. His brother 
Thomas Bailey was invited to be his assistant ; and 
for this purpose he was moved up to Watertown, Nov. 
2, 1687. He died, Jan. 21, 1688. Perhaps it should 
stand, if we begin the year with January, 1689. In the 
first case he was not minister three months at Water- 
town ; on the other supposition, not fifteen months. 
It does not appear from the records that he was any 
more than assistant to his elder brother at Watertown.^ 

* Dr. Eliot, in his Biog. Die. p. 40, niust have fallen in- 
to a mistake in respect to these two men. John, and not 
Thomas, was the minister who statedly, not occasionally, sup- 
plied at Watertown. The records of the town prove this fact. 
The first church records now to be found were kept by Mr, 
John Bailey, beginning in 1686, which was 56 years after the 
formation of the church, and ending, by him, in 1692. In this 
book of records, the only one known in Watertown, he insert- 
ed an Epitaph engraven on the tombstone of his brother Thom- 
as, and the one engraven on the tombstone of his wife, made 
by Mr. Moody ; I suppose Mr. Joshua Moody, who, after be- 
ing persecuted at Portsmouth by Cranfield, preached at Bos- 
ton for a considerable time. 

Extracts from Judge Sewall's manuscript journal. *' July 
23, 1686, Mr. John Bayley preaches his farewell sermon, and 
goes the 28th to Watertown. Oct. 6, Mr. Bayley ordained at 
Watertown. Mr. Bayley not ordained as congregational men 
are." 

On examining Watertown records, and comparing them 
with other authorities, it appears that Mr. John Bailey was 
the minister at Watertown about six years, and that his bro- 
ther Thomas was his assistant a few months. Both had resid- 
ed, and occasionally, if not statedly, preached, at Boston. 



25 

Mr. John Bailey removed to Boston in 1692, and 
in 1693 became assistant to Mr. Allen, minister of 
the first church, and continued in the office until Dec. 
16, 1697, the day of his death. He died in the 54th 
year of his age. 

In 1690 application was made by the town of Wa- 
tertown to Mr. Henry Gibbs to be assistant minister 
with Mr. Bailey. He accepted the invitation, ^nd 
was induced by renewed calls, often repeated, to con- 
tinue his labours with them several years after Mr. 
Bailey's removal to Boston. 

An attempt was made by the town in 1692, to fix 
upon a place for a new meeting house, " most con- 
venient for the bulk of the inhabitants." The town 
did not agree upon a spot. The selectmen then ap- 
plied to the Governour and Council to appoint a com- 
mittee to examine and report on the subject. Dec. 
27, 1692, the town voted to submit their difference 
** relating to settling a minister, and the placing of a 
meeting house," to a committee to be appointed by 
the Governour and Council. William Stoughton, 
John Phillips, Ja. Russell, Samuel Sewall, and Joseph 
Lynde, men distinguished in the annals of New F^ng- 
land, were appointed to this service. They attended 
upon it, and dated their report at Boston, May 18, 
1693. It does not, however, appear to have been com- 
municated to the town until April 17, 1694. The 
committee say in their report : 

" We do advise and determine, that forasmuch as 

you have once and again called the Rev. Mr. Henry 

Gibbs to labour in the Lord's vineyard at Watertown ; 
4 



which he has so far accepted, as to spend some years 
with you ; in which time yourselves and others have 
had plentiful experience of his ability and real worth, 
that therefore you do your endeavour that he may be 
speedily fixed among you, in the work and office of 
the ministry." 

" And whereas there has been of a long time, even 
ever since the days of your blessed pastor Phillips, an 
earnest contending about the place of meeting for the 
publick worship of God, having heard and duly weigh- 
ed the allegations of both parties, in your public meet- 
ing, and considering the remoteness of the most of 
your inhabitants from the place where the meeting 
house now stands, our advice and determination in the 
matter is, that within the space of four years next com- 
ing there be a meeting house erected in your town on 
a knowl of ground lying between the house of the wi- 
dow Sterns and Whitney's hill, to be the place of 
meeting to worship God, for the whole town." 

This report did not meet the wishes of both par- 
ties. A protest against the place for the meeting 
house, containing a plea in behalf of the farmers^ was 
signed by 118 persons. Mr. Gibbs was still employ- 
ed. The proposed meeting house was erected and 
accepted by the town, Feb. 4, 1696, as the place of 
publick worship, according to the advice of the com- 
mittee. On this day, Mr. Gibbs, who had been near- 
ly six years with them, and was still the object of their 
affection and choice, refused to accede to the propos- 
als of the town to officiate in the new meeting house, 
on account, as he stated, of the dissatisfaction respect- 



27 

ing it. The town urged him to comply with their 
request ; but he persisted in his refusal. Whether 
induced to reject their overtures by the state of irrita- 
tion in the parties, or, in some measure, by his own 
predilection for the old house, and the favour he had 
for those who adhered to it, we cannot, at this dis- 
tance of time, positively determine. Subsequent 
events render it probable, that the last motive had 
some influence. 

Previously to this time the following vote passed, 
Oct. 2, 1694, "OurneighlMDurs thefarmersbturg upon 
endeavours to have a meeting house among themselves, 
the town consents that they may come as far as Bea- 
ver Brook* upon the country road leading to Sudbu- 

* This brook still retains the name. It passes the great 
road at the lower part of Waltham plains. The origin of the 
name will be seen in the following extract from Gov. Win- 
throp's Journal, page 32. " Jan. 27, 1632. The Governour 
and some company with him went up by Charles River, about 
eight miles above Watertown, and named the first brook, on 
the north side of the river (being a fair stream and coming 
from a pond a mile from the river) Beaver Brook, because the 
beavers had shorn down divers great trees there and made di- 
vers dams across the brook. Thence they went to a great 
rock upon which stood a Ingh stone cleft asunder, that four 
men might go through, which they called Adam's chair, be- 
cause the youngest of their company was Adam Winthrop. 
Thence they came to another brook, greater than the former, 
which they called Masters' Brook, because the eldest of their 
company was one John Masters. Thence they came to an- 
other high pointed rock, having a fair ascent on the west side, 
w hich they called Mount Feake, from one Robert li'eake, w ho 
had married the Governours daughter in law. On the west 



28 

ry, and so run north and south upon a line, to the end 
there may be peace and settlement amongst us." I find 

side of Mount Feake they went by a very high rock, from 
whence they might see all over Whipcutt, and a very high 
hill due west about 40 miles off, and to the N. W. the high 
hills by Merrimack above 60 miles off." 

Our veneration for Gov. Winthrop and his companions 
leads the imagination into the pleasing idea, that every brook 
they named flows with purer water than other streams ; that 
every mountain they ascended exhibits the bush burning, but 
not consumed ; that every hill upon which they trod is a kind 
of holy ground, hallowed by the presence of those pious pil- 
grims? that every rock at which they halted is a kind of al- 
tar, reared by the hand of nature to nature's God. AVith these 
feelings we are eager to trace their steps, and to plant our 
feet where theirs were once placed. But to ascertain the pre- 
cise spots mentioned in the Journal would require attention, 
and perhaps be attended with some difficulty. The descrip- 
tion of Beaver Brook does not fully agree with present ap- 
pearances. Though one branch of it proceeds from a pond ; 
yet this pond is double the distance from the river stated in 
the Journal. The probability is, that the meadow west of 
Waltham meeting house was so flowed by the beavers, as to 
have the appearance, in the winter season, of a natural pond. 
Adam's Chair, according to the Journal, was found between 
the two brooks. I find no person able to point it out to me. 
Perhaps in the lapse of nearly two centuries the position of the 
cloven parts of the high stone may be so changed, as not to 
excite notice as a curiosity. Masters' Brook is now known by 
the name of Stony Brook. Mount Feake has lost its name ; 
nor is it certainly known where it stands ; some conjecture in 
the southeast part of Weston. The very high rock on the 
west side of Mount Feake may be ascertained, with a consid- 
erable degree of certainty, by the compass, and by the pros- 
pect it gives J especially if it were known where to look for 



29 

110 evidence that this offer met the wishes of the farm- 
ers, or tliat any measures had then been taken to erect 
the farms into a distinct precinct. June 26, 1696, the 
town agreed to keep a day of humihation, to be fixed 
upon by the Rev. Samuel Willard and Rev. Cotton 
Mather, who were requested to aid in the rehgious so- 
lemnity. August 28, 1696, the church called the 
Rev. Samuel Angier, who had been settled at Reho- 
both, to be their minister, to officiate in the new meet- 
ing house. 

Sept. 21, 1696, the town met to have a friendly de- 
bate on their affairs. After some discussion they chose 
a com1»ittee of conference, and adjourned to the 28 
of the same month. The dispute was now between 
the east end and middle part of Watcrtown. Being 
met according to adjournment, and finding that their 
committee had not agreed upon the matters in dispute, 
the town concurred with the church in the call of Mr. 
Angier. 

Feb. 1, 1^97, the farmers, that is, the inhabitants 
of what is now Weston, were by vote exempted from 
ministerial rates in the town. 

Mr. Angier accepted tlie call, and manifested a rea- 
diness to be inducted to office. Upon this the church 
chose the Rev. Mr. Estabrook of Concord to " give 
the pastoral charge to the Rev. Mr. Angier, and to be 
the mouth and moderator of the church in the publick 
management of the whole affair of perfecting Mr. An- 
gler's settlement." 

Whipcutt. The very high liill due west from this rock, about 
40 miles distance, is unquestionably Waehusett, a well known 
hill in the north part of Princeton. 



30 

May 17, 1697, the church voted to proceed to a 
liill settlement of Mr. Samuel Angier as their pastor, 
he taking the charge over them according to the rules 
of the gospel, without reordination by imposition of 
hands. 

Here is an ancient example of considering a first 
ordination valid, after dismission from a particular 
charge. The right and authority to administer spe- 
cial ordinances remain after such dismission, if by it 
the ordination be not nullified, 

TItc church agreed to invite ministers to their as- 
sistance in the settlement of Mr. Angier ; but, if they 
could not be obtained, that they would proceed to the 
settlement of Mr. Angier, with his concurrence.* 
What gave rise to this precautionary measure does 
not appear from the records. But the right of a church 
to induct into office ministers of their own choice, 
other ministers and churches refusing to assist in the 
solemnity, is here assumed in conformity to the Cam- 
bridge Platform. If ministers and churches would 
admit this principle of our fore-fathers, we should not 
often see ecclesiastical councils attempting to over- 
rule the choice of christian societies. 

Mr. Angier was inducted into his office at Water- 
town, May 25, 1697, and so far as appears, without 
any other ministerial aid than that of Mr. Estabrook. 
He was minister for the whole church and town at 
this time. 

*' At a meeting of the two precincts July 2, 1697," 

* Waltham church records, committed to Rev. Warham 
Williams by Rev. John Angier of Bridgewater. 



31 

(this is the first instance that two precincts occur in 
Watertown records,) the town renewed their efforts to 
settle Mr. Gibbs in connexion with Mr. Angier.* 
Mr. Angier approved of the measure ; but I find no 
answer to the call. 

Judge Sewall in his MSS. says, " Oct. 6, 1697, 
a church was gathered at Watertown east end, and 
Mr. Henry Gibbs was ordained. The ceremony was 
abroad, because the western party got possession of 
the meeting house." We infer that the Farmers, 
being previously exempted from ministerial rates in 
the town, took no part in this opposition and disor- 
der. 

We have now come down to the period when the 
Farmers were virtually, though not in legal form, a 
distinct precinct. But, iDcfore we enter upon the lo- 
cal history of this section, we will pursue a little far- 
ther that of the other parts of the town. 

Mr. Angier and Mr. Gibbs were now ministers at 
Watertown, the former at the new, the latter at the old 
meeting house. Orders passed in the General Court 
to regulate the support of the ministry in Watertown, 
and to determine where their meeting houses should 
be placed. According to the records of the town 
these orders passed in 1700, 1712, and 1720. It ap- 
pears that both ministers were supported from the 
common treasury,, and that the eastern and middle 

* Watertown records, " Voted, that we do renew our call 
once more to the Rev. Mr. Henry Gibbs, that he be assistant 
to the Rev. Mr. Samuel Angier in the work of the ministry 
in the new meetinghouse for the town." 



32 

parts of the town were not, in any legal form, divided 
into distinct precincts. Attempts were still made to 
unite both parties in one house of worship. The 
town continued in much the same state for several 
years, expressing a desire to maintain the worship of 
God according to the rules prescribed by the General 
Court. The east congregation manifested a ready 
submission to these rules. 

May 13, 1715, the town voted to " build a meet- 
ing house for the accommodation of the inhabitants of 
the most westerly part of the town." This was after 
the incorporation of Weston ; and therefore had res- 
pect to what is now Waltham. Nothing, however, 
was effected for seven years. Sep. 6, 1715, the east- 
ern congregation petition to be a separate town. It 
does not appear that the prayer of the petition was 
granted. Motions were made to fix a dividing line 
between the two congregations, as to the expense of 
repairing their respective meeting houses, and parson- 
age houses ; but not in respect to the annual support 
of their ministers. The line was proposed by a com- 
mittee from the General Court ; but does not appear 
to have been accepted at that time by the town. 

Jan. 21, (some say June 21) 1719, Mr. Angier 
died, aged 65, and was buried in Waltham grave 
yard. 

Nov. 19, 1720, the General Court appointed a 
committee to determine the dividing line between the 
two precincts, to consider the expediency of removing 
one or both meeting houses, and to fix upon the places 
most proper for them. The committee reported, Dec. 



353 

3, 1720, that they had agreed on a divisional line, and 
determined that within two years the new or west 
meeting house should be removed to a rising ground 
within twenty rods of Nathaniel Livermore's dwelling 
liouse, or a new one erected on that spot within the 
term ; and that the old or east meeting house should, 
within ten years, be removed to school house hill, or a 
new one built on that spot. This report was read 
and accepted by the General Court, Dec. 7, 1720 ; at 
the same time the Court ordered the west precinct to 
pay their proportion to the removing or rebuilding the 
east house, when it should be done, as shall be paid 
for removing or rebuilding their house. The town 
voted compliance with this report of committee and 
order of the General Court, granted money to effect 
the removal of the meeting houses, or to build new 
ones, and appropriated the town's proportion of the 
/50,000 of bills of credit, issued by the government, 
to the same object. The next precinct applied for the 
new meeting house, in order to remove it to the select- 
ed place, which was near the ground now occupied by 
Waltham meeting house ; but they did not obtain it. 
They then purchased of Newton their old meeting 
house, removed and newly erected it on the ground 
designated in the order of the General Court. 

Having accomphshed this object they called Mr. 
William Welstead to be their minister, August 14, 
1722. He returned a negative answer the 7th of the 
ibllowing September. Mv, Welstead was afterwards 
icttled in Boston. 

'Dec, 18, 1722, in concurrence with the church 



34 

the precinct called Mr. Warliaiu Williams, one of the 
captive sons of the Rev. John Williams of Deerficld, to 
be their minister. He returned a conditional affirma- 
tive answer, April 17, 1723. The precinct complied 
with his proposals, April 30, 1723. His ordination 
was June 11, 1723. 

Sept. 7, 1731, the church records, preserved by the 
Rev. Samuel Angier, were committed to the custody 
of Mr. Williams by the Rev. John Angier, ministei- 
at Bridge water, and son of the former, as being the 
property of his church. Hence tlie inference, that, 
though Mr. Samuel Angier was minister of the town 
of W^atertown, the majority of his church and congre- 
gation, upon the division, were included within the 
west precinct, and consisted of what afterwards be- 
came Waltham. 

The east precinct, or rather the town of Watertown, 
took measures, at a much earlier period than the com- 
mittee of the General Court had ordered, to have a 
meeting house erected on school house hill. They 
attempted to purchase the west, or what was then call- 
ed the middle meeting house ; but did not succeed 
in their overtures. They therefore agreed, Jan. 14, 
1723, to build a new meeting house on school house 
hill, pursuant to the order of the General Court, to 
the advice of a council of churches, and to a former 
vote of the town ; and to have it built in twelve 
months. 

Oct. 21, 1723, Mr. Gibbs died, setat : 56, and jusi 
entered upon the 27th year of his ministry. The 
Rev. Seth Storer succeeded Mr. Gibbs, and was or- 



35 

daintd, July 22, 1724. He died Nov. 27, 1774, aetat : 
73, ill the 51st year of liis ministry. The Rev. Daniel 
Adams was his successor, ordained April 29, 1778, 
and died the 16th of the following September, cctat ; 
32. The Rev. Richard Roswell Eliot is the living 
successor of Mr. Adams. He was ordained June 21, 
1780. 

After the incorporation of Weston, which had 
been called the westerly, more westerly, and most wes- 
terly precinct in Waterto\vn, the middle part of the 
town acquired the name of the west precinct, or Wa- 
tertown west, and was incorporated as a town, by the 
name of Waltham, Jan. 4, 1737. Perhaps it should 
be, beginning the year with January, 1738. 

The Rev. Warham Williams died, June 22, 1751,* 
aetat : 52, and 29th of his ministry. After the decease 
of Mr. Williams Mr. Eli Forbes had an invitation to 
settle in the ministry at Waltham ; but he did not ac- 
cept the call. He was afterwards settled in the north 
parish of Brookfield, and again at Cape- Ann, in the 
town of Gloucester. 

The late venerable Dr. Jacob Gushing was the 
successor of Mr. Williams ; ordained Nov. 22, 1752, 
and died Wednesday, Jan. 18, 1809, in the 79th year 
of his age, and 57th of his ministry. He preached at 
Weston the sabbath preceding his death, and, as ma- 

* In a note on a sermon preached by the flev. Dr. Nathan 
Strong, at the funeral of Mrs. Sarah Williams, wife of the 
Hev. Ur. Eliphalet Williams of East Hartford, and daughter 
of Rev. "N^'arham Williams, his death is placed in June 1752. 
This is a mistake. It happeued the day, montJi, and vear 
above related. 



36 

ny observed, with the vigour of a young' man. Mr. 
Woodward, minister of Weston, a classmate with Dr» 
Gushing, and a brother by marriage, preached his last 
sermon at Waltham. The Rev. Samuel Ripley suc- 
ceeded Dr. Gushing, and was ordained, Nov. 22, 
1809. 

During the ministry of Mr. Angier and Mr. Gibbs 
in Watertown, this westerly part was first made a pre- 
cinct, and afterwards a separate town by the name 
which it still retains. In speaking of the transactions 
of the people of this place I shall give the dates as they 
would stand if January had then been reckoned the 
first month in the year. 

The inhabitants of this section of Watertown met, 
Jan. 9, 1695, and agreed to build a meeting house 
thirty feet square, and to place it on land of Nathaniel 
Cooledge senior, by the side of the road, at the head 
of Parkhurst's meadow. This spot was a little in 
front of the present house, the road then passing more 
south than at present. In 1696 agents were chosen to 
contract with workmen to build the house, which was 
called The Farmers' Meeting House^ a very appropri- 
ate, significant, and honourable appellation. 

*' Sometime in August 1695" money was con- 
tributed by sundry persons for the purpose of prefer- 
ring a petition to the General Court, praying for leave, 
as it is expressed in the records, " to set up the pub- 
lick worship of God amongst the inhabitants of the 
west end of said town," meaning Watertown. It 
does not appear when the petition was preferred to the 
General Court ; but the prayer of it was granted ^ 



37 

the May session, 1698. Some doubts arising about 
the eastern boundary of the precinct, the General 
Court, at their May session, 1699, passed an explana- 
tory order in these words, " The bounds of said pre- 
cinct shall extend from Charles river to Stony Brook 
Bridge, and from said bridge up the brook northerly 
to Robert Harrington's farm, the brook to be the 
boundary, including the said farm, and comprehend- 
ing all the farms, and farm lands to the line of Cam- 
bridge and Concord ; and from thence all Watertown 
lands tothcirutmost southward and westward bounds." 
The same bounds, in the same words, are defined in 
the act of incorporation of the town. 

Meetings of the precinct were holden, Nov. 8, 
and Nov. 15, 1698, officers chosen, and further provi- 
sion made to complete the meeting house. August 
25, Sept. 15, and Nov. 16, 1699, measures were tak- 
en to finish the meeting house, and to procure a minis- 
ter. Feb. 14, 1700, the precinct voted to have a min- 
ister to preach in the meeting house, to begin the second 
sabbath of the ensuing March, and thence forward to 
continue to preach in said house. Thus it ap|x?ars 
that the small house, begun in 1695, was not so far 
completed, as to be occupied till March 1700. It was 
begun by subscription, and afterwards carried on at the 
expense of the precinct. 

March 5, 1700, money was granted to support 
prcdching. Grants continued to be made, at succes- 
sive periods, for the same purpose. A committee was 
chosen, Sept. 13, 1700, to apply for advice, as to the 
ichoice of a minister, to the Rev. President Mather, 



Hev. Mr. Angier, Rev. Mr. Brattle, and Rev. Mr. 
Gibbs, and to make report. A meeting was held, Oct. 
8, 1700, for the choice of a minister to preach in order 
for settlement. Mr. Thomas Symmes was chosen. 
We find nothing more about Mr. Symmes in the pre- 
cinct records. He was afterwards settled at Boxford, 
and from that place removed to Bradford, where his 
father had been minister.* 

March 10, 1701, the committee of the precinct 
was directed to provide a man to preach with them. 
Sept. 12, 1701, a similar order passed. Dec. 19, 

1701, voted that Mr. Mors should continue in order 
for a settlement. July 6, 1702, the precinct gave Mr. 
Joseph Mors a call to settle with them in the ministry, 
thirty for and twelve against him. August 28, 1702, 
agreed to keep a day of fasting and prayer. Sept. 28, 

1702, they renewed the call of Mr. Mors, granted an 
annual salary, and engaged, as an encouragement to 
settle, to build him a house 'forty by twenty feet. 

* The acknowledgments of the writer are due to William 
Winthrop Esquire of Cambridge, a descendant from Gov. Win- 
throp, for information respecting Mr. Symmes, and most of 
the ether ministers mentioned in this discourse, and for other 
aid in collecting facts. By laborious research Mr. AVinthrop 
has added to the catalogue of Harvard College, in manuscript, 
a biographical or historical account of most of her sons ; the 
publication of which with the Catalogue would afford gratifi- 
cation to the curious, and aid the collection of a general his- 
tory of the university. He will be pleased to accept the 
thanks of the writer for his labours, and for the friendly com- 
munication of the result of his inquiries into subjects, which 
would soon have been carried beyond the knowledge of man 
by the ever-flowing current of time. 



39 

Nov. 25, 1702, Mr. Mors gave an affirmative answer 
to the call, with some conditioixs annexed. Jan. 8, 
1703, the precinct accepted his answer, and voted to 
begin the house they had promised to build for him. 
Sept. 22, 1703, voted to raise the house on the 4th of 
the following October. This house is now occupied 
by deacon Samuel Fiske. The next year after it was 
raised the house was put into Mr. Mors's possession, 
and a grant of money made to him to enable him to fin- 
ish it. But this year, 1704, difficulties arose respect- 
ing Mr. Mors's settlement in the ministry in this 
place. On what ground the uneasiness rested I have 
not been able to ascertain ; but it continued without 
any prospect of accommodation. In the two succeed- 
ing years advice was asked of what were then called 
the upper and lower associ-itions of ministers, of indi- 
vidual clergymen, and of one or more councils of 
churches. After much delay, and not less perplexi- 
ty, it was determined that the precinct should purchase 
Mr. Mors's " housing and lands," and indemnify him 
against pecuniary loss, and that he should leave them 
in the spring of 1706. A committee was appointed 
to treat with him on the subject, and to purchase his 
house and land for the use of the ministry, or minister. 
An agreement was not soon effected. But the next 
year, Dec. 31, 1707, Mr. Mors conveyed the premis- 
es to the precinct's committee. Mr. Mors stjles 
himself in the deed,* " Heretofore preacher of the gos- 

* Entered at the registry of deeds, book 14, page 646, &,e. 
The committee, to whom the conveyance was made, consisted 
of Mr. Thomas Willson, Capt. Josiah Jones, Capt. Francis 



40 

pel In the west precinct of Watertown.*' He Was al- 
terwards settled at Stoughton, now Canton. 

In the controversy between the precinct and Mr. 
Mors, whatever might be the grounds of it, there was, 
no doubt, considerable irritation. He and his oppos- 
ers were thought by council to be in fault. This sel- 
dom fails to be the case among contending parties. 
Mr. Mors liad stedfast friends, who were zealous for 
his settlement ; but they agreed to relinquish this ob- 
ject, and unite in the choice of another man, if the pre- 
cinct would join in calling in mediators to attempt a 
reconciliation between Mr. Mors and his opponents. 
This was done without effect. 

In 1706 the precinct was presented at the court of 
sessions on account of their not having a settled minis- 
ter. A committee was appointed to answer to the 
presentment, at Charlestown, Sept. 25, 1706. 

Feb. 11, 1707, the precinct chose Mr. Nathaniel 
Gookin to be their minister. He negatived their call, 
and was afterwards settled at Hampton, New Hamp- 
shire. 

The presentment still lay before the court of ses» 
sions, A committee was again chosen to make re- 
turn to the court at Charlestown, to be holden, April 
23, 1707. May 9, 1707, the precinct met to hear the 
order of the court ; and again, June 9, 1707, to agree 
upon a return to the court at Concord. A petition 
was prepared, to be presented to the court, assigning 

FuUam, and Lieut. John Brewer. The premises were assign- 
ed to the Rev. William Williams, April 28, 1714. recorded 
\n book 22,. page 2X1, 



41 

reasons for not having a minister settled. The petition- 
ers say, " Once more we humbly pray, that the Hon- 
ourable Court would not put Mr. Joseph Mors into 
the work of the ministry in our precinct," &c. From 
this it appears, that the people in this place were ap- 
prehensive that Mr. Mors might be fixed here by or- 
der of court, and not by their own election. 

July 16, 1707, they chose Mr. Tiiomas Tufts to 
be their minister. He negatived the call, Sep. 4, 
1 707, and, falling into an ill state of health, was never 
settled in the ministry. 

As late as Sep. 1707, the difficulty with Mr. 
Mors, in respect to his interest in the parish, was not 
adjusted. If we might be allowed to draw an infer- 
ence, it would be, that he was not very ready to ac- 
commodate himself to the views either of this people, 
or of their advisers. Faults there were, undoubtedly, 
on both sides ; but as much condescension appears 
on the part of the precinct, as is to be found in almost 
any similar case. I cannot but venerate the fathers of 
this town when I trace the records of their proceed- 
ings. 

Jan. 14, 1708, they agreed to keep a day of fasting 
and prayer, and choose a committee to state the rea- 
sons aad grounds for the observance of a day for this 
purpose to those ministers who should be invited to 
assist in the solemnity. 

Feb. 4, 1708, the people gave Mr. William Wil- 
liams* a call to settle in the ministry in this place. 

* Mr. Williams was sob of the Rev. William Williams of 
Hatfield, grand son of Mr. Isaao Williams of Roxburv, and 
6 



42 

Some time being taken for consideration, and to adjust 
certain preliminaries, Mr. Williams manifested his 
acceptance of the call, August 23, 1709. A church 
was gathered in this place, and Mr. Williams ordain- 
ed, Nov. 2, 1709, about eleven years and an half after 
the Farms had become a distinct precinct. The 
church consisted, at first, of eighteen male members, 
nine from other churches, and nine who had not been 
communicants.* Jan. 4, 1710, two deacons were 
chosen, who accepted the trust. 

March 50, 1710, money was granted to finish the 
meeting house. By this we learn that the small meet- 
ing house, only 30 feet scjuare, begun in 1695, was 
not finished in fifteen years. This was truly a day of 
small things. 

March 1718, a motion was JDrought forward in 
town meeting to build a new meeting house. The 
subject was deferred. Oct. 23, 1721, the town voted 
to build a new meeting house, and to appropriate their 
proportion of the bills of credit issued by the General 
Court to this object. Thus it appears that the build- 
great grand son of Mr. Robert Williams, who came to tins 
country from Norwich, in England. Mr. Williams of Hat- 
field and Mr. Williams of Deerlield were cousins, classmates, 
and neighbouring ministers in the frontier settlements. 

* Nathaniel Cooledge and Thomas Flegg from Mr. Gibbs's 
church; Joseph Lovell and John Parkhurst from Mr. x\n- 
gier's; John Livermore, Francis Fiillam, Abel Allen, Ebene- 
zer Allen, and Francis Pierce, from the church in Sudbury. 
The otlier nine were Josiah Jones, Thomas Weight, Joseph 
Allen, Josiali Jones jun. Joseph Livermore, Joseph Allen jun. 
Samuel Seaverns, Joseph Woolson, and George Robinson. 



43 

mg of three meeting houses, within the limits of the 
original town of Watertown, was aided by the pub- 
lick bills of credit, issued, I suppose, on the principles 
of what was called the land bank. 

Weston progressed in the work, and in the sum- 
mer of 1722 raised the house in which we are now as- 
sembled, making it ninety years old the last season. 
It underwent thorough repairs in 1800, when the stee- 
ple and two porches were erected, and the bell pro- 
cured. 

Mr. Williams continued in the ministry until Oct. 
24, 1750, being forty one }cars wanting nine days, 
and was then dismissed by a mutual council. He 
w^as esteemed a scholar, and good preacher. After his 
dismission, contrary to the too frequent practice of 
clergymen that are removed from office, he was a 
peaceable parishioner, and treated his successor with 
kindness and respect. 

The Rev. Samuel Woodward succeeded Mr. Wil- 
liams in the ministry, and was ordained, Sept. 25, 
1751, eleven months and one day after the dismission 
of his predecessor. jNlr. W^oodward died, Oct. 5, 
1782. tetat: 56. Allowing eleven days for the altera- 
tion of the style between his ordination and death, 
one day was wanting to complete the thirty first year 
of his ministry. He died greatly beloved and lament- 
ed by the people of his charge, by his brethren in office, 
and by an extensive circle of acquaintance. His 
memory is yet dear to many of this society. He was 
a serious, sensible, practical preacher, rarely entering 
upon controversial points, but always striving to mend 



the heart and Hfe. Extremes he carefully avoided, 
while he preached Christ, and him crucified, and adopt- 
ed the evangelical style in his discourses. He was 
cheerful and facetious without lessening his dignity as 
a minister, or christian. He had uncommon social 
talents. No man could more happily blend the cheer- 
ful with the grave in conversation, and yet preserve 
their exact bounds. His company was sought and ad- 
mired by all classes j old and } oung, the serious and 
gay ; and he discovered a disposition to please and 
improve all ; and with a peculiar air of pleasantry, he 
could give perfect ease and satisfaction to the most 
mixed circles ; while at the same time, with a no less 
singular air of gravity he could set bounds to any pro- 
pensity to overleap the rules of decorum, or of chris- 
tian sobriety. He delighted to see all happy, and, so 
far as it depended on him, to make them so : but, in 
his most pleasant and free intercourse with his people 
and friends, he took care not to lose sight of the great 
object of his ministry, the moral improvement of men, 
their ultimate happiness, and the glory of his and their 
God. Mr. Woodward was a descendant of an ancient 
and respectable family in Newton.* 

The speaker was the immediate successor of Mr. 
Woodward, and was ordained, Nov. 5, 1783, just 
thirteen months after the decease of his predecessor. f 

* He was son of Mr. Ebenezer Woodward, and grandson 
of Mr. John Woodward, an early settler in Newton. The in- 
heritance is in possession of Mr. Elijah Woodward, one of the 
fifth generation inclusive. 

t The author of the discourse takes the liberty to add a 



45 

Having obtained help of God, he yet continues. 
Though he has experienced some indisposition, he has 
not been kept from the house of worship but one sab- 
bath, either by sickness or inclemency of weather, for 
thirty years : Nor has he left the pulpit without a sup- 
ply, on his own private business, but two sabbaths 
within the term. 

On comparing dates it will be perceived, that this 
town has been without a settled minister only two years 
and one day for one hundred and three years the thir- 

short account of his own ancestors. Mr. Francis Kendal, who 
settled in WoUurn, was the first in this country, and, so far as 
he has been able to ascertain, the ancestor of all that bear the 
name of Kendal in New England. The time of his arrival in 
this country is not known. He married in Woburn in 1644. 
His grandson Thomas, whose father's name was Thomas, mar- 
ried Sarah, the eldest daughter of the Rev. Thomas Checver, 
of Chelsea, and grand daughter of Mr. Ezekiel Cheever, ¥vho 
kept a grammar school more than 70 years, by whom he had 
fourteen children. The writer, born at Sherburne July 11, 
1753, is son of Elisha, their twelfth child, now living, Feb. 24, 
1813, in the 89th of his age. 

Dr. Eliot, in his Biog. Die. 137, 138, has noticed the lon- 
gevity of Mr. Ezekiel Cheever, and of some of his descendants. 
The venerable school-master died setat: 94, his son Samuel, 
minister at Marblchead, 85, his son Thomas, minister at Chel- 
sea, 93, his daughter, who married Mr. Benjamin Burt, 88. 
To this account we add, his daughter, who married Mr. Thom- 
as Kendal, died getat: 78. Her husband lived to 94|. Their 
daughter Sarah to 93, their son Benjamin to 96 wanting four 
days. Their son Elisha, as above stated, is in the 89th year 
of his age. 

The inheritance of Francis Kendal is yet, in part at least, 
possessed by his descendants that bear the name. 



46 

tcenth of last November. The three ministers ordain- 
ed in this place have filled the office more than a cen- 
tury. 

Including the first eighteen, 694 have been admit- 
ted to church fellowship ; 425 under Mr. Williams's 
ministry ; 163 under Mr. Woodward's ; 106 under 
mine. 

There have been 2569 baptisms ; 1082 in Mr. 
Williams's nunistry, 18 between his dismission and 
Mr. Woodward's ordination, 922 in Mr. Woodward's 
ministry, 15 between his decease and my induction to 
office, and 532 since. 

Twelve deacons have been chosen, and have offi- 
ciated in this church ; of whom the four last chosen 
still live and sustain the office.* 

There is no correct source from which I can ascer- 
tain the number of births and deaths within the past 
century. The population of the town has varied but 
little since my acquaintance with it. According to 
the census, taken at three diffi^rent periods, it stands 
at a little more than a thousand. 

* Capt. Josiah Jones and John Parkhurst, chosen Jan. i, 
1710. Benjamin Brown, April 20, 1715. Ensign John AVar- 
ren in 1733. Of the choice of tlie next two, viz. Nathaniel 
Allen and Abijah Upham, I can find no record ; but they 
both officiated within the memory of a number of the present 
inhabitants. Sept. 14, 1767, Thomas Upham and Thomas 
Russell were chosen. Dec. 18,1780, Samuel Fiskeand Isaae 
Hobbs were elected. Jan. 7, 1808, Nathan Warren and Thom- 
as Biglow were appointed. 

Since my ordination we have buried but one deacon, viz- 
deacon Thomas Russell, who sustained the office almost twen- 
ty five years. 



47 

Since my ordination I have solemnized 214 mar- 
riages, l)esides a few in neighbouring towns which have 
been destitute of a minister. 

The bill of mortality I shall exhibit is for thirty 
years, beginning Jan. 1, 1783, and ending Jan. 1, 1813. 
I have no document to enable me to extend it farther 
back. There stand on my records 416 deaths; from 
which number deduct 20 that do not properly come 
into the account, being only visitors, or such as had 
come into the town in the last stages of disease, hop- 
ing to find relief from the salubrity of the air. After 
this deduction the number is 396, making the annual 
average number thirteen and one fifth, or sixty six in 
five years. Of the 396, ninety arrived at the 70th year 
of their age, and upwards, making more than one in 
four and an half that arrived to what is called the com- 
mon age of man. Out of the ninety, who lived to 
this age, fifty two attained to their eightieth year, and 
upwards, giving more than one in eight that arrived to 
four score years. Of the fifty two that arrived to this 
age, twenty seven lived to eighty five, and upwards, 
giving one in fourteen and two thirds that attained to 
these advanced years. Twelve lived to ninety, and up- 
^vards, making one in thirty three of this very great 
age. Three lived to ninety five and upwards, giving 
one in one hundred and thirty two that continued to this 
advanced period ; and one lived to be one hundred and 
two years old, wanting about six weeks.* 

* This was Mrs. Mercy Hastings, relict of Mr. John Has- 
tings, who died at the age of 88. She was a native of New- 
ton. Her maiden name was Merey Ward. She retained her 



48 

The bill of mortality now given, which includes a 
period of thirty years, shews Weston to be as healthy 
a spot, as almost any in the known world. A greater 
proportion have attained to 70 years, than we meet 
with in other accounts. Perhaps no place in New En- 
gland could present fairer proof of the salubrity of its 
air and situation. 

But the fathers^ where are they ? and the prophets y 
do they live forever ? The hand of time has removed 
all who were on the stage at the commencement of the 
century, whose close we this day witness ; and it is 
not probable that any now born will see the end of the 
one on which w e are entering. 

According to the ratio for the last thirty years, al- 
lowing the number of inhabitants to have been the 
same, which, however, is not the fact, the number of 
deaths would amount to 1320, nearly a third more than 
the whole population. With but very few exceptions, 
a century of years carries with it all the inhabitants it 
found on the earth at its commencement, thus evincing 
the mortality of man ! But, as one generation passeth 
away another cometh ; and, in rapid succession, the 
sons take the place of their fathers. 

The period we have been reviewing, and of which 
we have given only a few historical sketches, has been 

faculties till she was about one hundred years old. A little 
before she was 99 years old the writer met her from home, at 
the wedding of a grand daughter, where she spent the evening 
and gratified, at least a part of the company, by correct an- 
swers to inquiries relating to the days of old. She was a plea^* 
sant guest ; not loquacious, but intelligent, 



49 

fruitful in great events, and brought upon the stage 
many ilhistrious characters. Distressing calamities, 
and might}' revolutions have fallen within its compass. 
America has risen to the rank of an independent na- 
tion, and at a former period enjoyed unexampled pros- 
perity. But we have not time to trace events, in which 
our own country has had a deep interest, or borne a 
conspicuous part. In a retrospect \vc see that the 
Lord has done great things for us, whereof we have 
reason to be glad. Ke has protected our fathers, and 
blessed their offspring. 

Since our ancestors landed on these shores, the wil- 
derness has blossomed as the rose, and the desert be- 
come a fruitful field. The haunts of wild beasts, or of 
savage tribes, have become populous cities, villages, 
or towns. Where nothing met the eye but nature in 
her rudest dress, where nothing saluted the ear but the 
yell of savages, and the howlings of beasts of prey ; 
there spacious temples are erected to the living God, 
united vows offered to him, and the blessings of civiliz- 
ed life enjoyed. 

The religious institutions of our fathers, and their 
conscientious observance of them, have been New En- 
gland's glory. I am well aware, that those institutions 
have been represented, perhaps really thought, to be 
unfavourable to the enlarged views, and to the inde- 
pendent feelings, which are desirable in a race of free- 
men. But nothing can be more incorrect than this 
idea. Our religious and school institutions have from 
the beginning had an intimate connexion ; and their 

joint influence has given an elevation of character to 

7 



50 

the several classes of our citizens, whicii no other sec- 
tion in the union can justly claim. In other portions 
of our country the rich bestow upon their children a 
good education ; but the poor have not, as we have, 
the means of instruction ; and they that have advanta- 
ges, are nurtured in such notions of their superiority, 
that they can scarcely enter into the feelings of medioc- 
rity, and allow to their more destitute neighbours 
equal privileges ; much less can they be persuaded to 
restrain the lash from those of a more sable complex- 
ion. 

Although there has not always been sufficient care, 
in years past, to provide able instructors ; yet our 
schools in general have been so well taught, that the 
youth in this place have been as fully prepared for ac- 
tive service and usefulness, as in almost any town of 
equal ability in the commonwealth. With high satis- 
faction we make this remark, while we express an 
earnest desire that there may be an increasing atten- 
tion to the education of the rising generation. They 
are the hope of our country. May the means of 
knowledge be multiplied. The culture of young 
minds, especially in religious and virtuous sentiments 
and habits, is of vast importance, not only to individ- 
uals, but to the community. 

Twenty young men who were natives of this town, 
or whose parents lived in the town at the time of their 
receiving collegiate honours, have had a publick edu- 
cation ; nineteen at Cambridge, and one at Provi- 
dence.* 

* Their names, and the years in which they took their 



51 

In considering the days of old, the years of ancient 
times, we ought to notice the errours of our fathers, 
not with a view to reproach their characters, but to 
avoid their mistakes and faihngs ; and we should mark 
their virtues and pious examples with a determination 
to imitate their praise worthy deeds. They were a 
generation of men who, after every reasonable allow- 
ance for the influence the spirit of the age had upon 
their minds, merit our veneration, and from whom 
we may receive instruction at this distant period. It 
will be our fault if we do not learn wisdom from 
them. 

When they attempted to procure a minister of the 
gospel, they sought direction from heaven by fasting 
and prayer, and applied for advice to the most judi- 
cious clergymen of their day. These measures indi- 
cate prudence and discretion as well, as a spirit of pi- 
ety ; they were fit and proper, and will merit the at- 
tention of the religious society in this place at a future 
and not very far distant period. 

The time is fast approaching, when the lips of the 
present speaker will be closed, when his tongue will 
be silenced forever. Should he live to the common 

first degree are as follows, viz. William Williams, 1739, JV'a- 
tlmn Fiske, 1754; Daniel Joiics, Phineas fVhitney, and Daniel 
Stinipson, 1759, Ephraim Woolson, 1760, Samuel Savage, 
1766, Isaac Biglovv, 1769, Stephen Jones, 1775, Samuel 
Woodward, 1776, Abraham Biglow, 1782, Ebenezer Starr, 
1789, Silas Warren, 1795, Isaac Allen and Isaac Fiske, 1798, 
Charles Train, IS05, Benjamin Rand, 1808, Alpheus Biglow, 
1810, Abraham Harrington, 1812. These at Cambridge. 
Isaac Fiske at Providence, 1812. 



52 

age of man, the event is not far distant. Should hfe 
even exceed tliose bounds, comparing the future with 
the past, there is but a step between him and the 
grave. He does not expect to attain to the days of 
the years of his fathers, to whom long life has been 
granted. Permit him to offer the friendly counsel 
which he may never have a more favourable opportu- 
nity to give. 

As now, so when he shall have rested from his la- 
bours. Be at peace amongst yourselves^ and mark them 
that cause divisions. Nothing ought to be more dread- 
ed than a spirit of contention. When you shall be- 
come destitute of a minister, take early care to fill the 
vacancy. In this attempt seek first the blessing and 
direction of heaven, not in a mere formal, but in a 
sincere and devout manner. In connexion with this 
apply to the most serious and judicious ministers in 
the vicinity for advice. But receive with caution ad- 
vice that may be offered by men devoted to a party, 
or who are zealous to support opinions that have no 
necessary connexion with evangelical truth, or who 
have not charity for such as differ from them in points 
that have long divided the christian world. With 
pure and upright intentions such men will be apt to 
consider a conformity to their own mode of thinking 
on subjects of speculation an essential qualification for 
the ministerial office, and to overlook a deficiency in 
other very requisite qualifications. Under impres- 
sions of this kind, good men may excite unreasonable 
fears and prejudices among a people who are seeking 
a good minister* 



53 

Tlie fathers of this town, under circumstances 
now in contemplation, applied to the President of the 
College for advice. In general he, and the other of- 
ficers of the institution have the most correct knowl- 
edge of the talents, learning, and character of the stu- 
dents in divinity, or candidates for the ministry ; and 
it may be expected they will be as little influenced by 
personal considerations, or party feelings, as any men 
in the community. 

A minister that loves the people of his charge, or 
regards the honour of the institutions of religion, can 
have no wish nearer his heart, than that there may al- 
ways be a succession of serious evangelical preachers, 
who will not amuse, nor perplex, their hearers with 
empty speculations, but feed them with knowledge, 
the knowledge of Christ, and of the uncorrupted doc- 
trines of his gospel. 

It has long been the settled opinion of the speak- 
er, that a destitute society ought with good advice to 
fix their minds upon a candidate, and then let him 
have no rival in their hearts ; but prove him to their 
satisfaction, and as they judge, so act. This should 
be the course till they obtain their object. The idea 
of having several candidates in view, at the same time, 
in order to a choice, is not favourable to union and 
harmony, nor to the wisest election. The caution is 
to be taken in the preparatory steps, and not by open- 
ing the way for invidious comparison. The first that 
unites the hearts of a people should be called to the 
office, without gratifying a curiosity to hear others. 
This rarelv fails to create a division in sentiment. As 



54 

men have different tastes, so they will be pleased with 
different objects. Multiply the objects, and union in 
the choice of any one of them can hardly be expected. 

One word of counsel more. Let me entreat you, 
my brethren, to guard your christian liberty, to study 
the principles of the reformation, to look at the exam- 
ples of our forefathers, and to exercise and defend 
your rights as a church of Christ, amenable only to 
your Lord and Master for your faith and worship. Be 
not entangled with any yoke of bondage. As St. 
Paul said to the Philipians, " Beware of the conci- 
sion ;" so I say unto you, brethren. Beware of conso- 
ciation. Never suffer this engine to enter within the 
walls of this church. The contents of its dark cav- 
ern would prove as destructive of congregational prin- 
ciples, and of the liberty our fathers asserted, as those 
in the fabled Grecian horse were to ancient Troy. Re- 
member, brethren, I have told you beforehand, and 
warned and exhorted you as a father. Be persuaded 
always to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ 
bath made you free, and thus prove yourselves the 
genuine and worthy offspring of the fathers, whose 
deeds we this day commemorate. 

Innovations are, in general, hazardous experi- 
ments. Though they may remedy some evils, they 
frequently open a door for otliers of a more serious na- 
ture. If attempted and efi'ected by secret combina- 
tions, they rarely fail to produce a strong excitement 
and jealousy in the publick mind. To give encour- 
agement, or facility, to a few restless members of a 
community to disturb the peace, and disappoint the 



55 

hopes of a religious society would be an evil, for which 
we should not readily find a counterbalance in any 
good produced. 

The idea, which some entertain, that, in order to 
the union and prosperity of our churches, a tribunal 
must be erected, which shall be as decisive in all eccle- 
siastical affairs, as our civil tribunals are in matters 
that come before them, is not very consistent with con- 
gregational principles, nor with the liberty of individu- 
al churches. It is devoutly to be desired, that the con- 
gregational churches in Massachusetts may have too 
high a respect for the examples of their fathers to yield 
their liberty to any such tribunal, under whatever name 
it may be known. The union and prosperity of the 
churches may be promoted in a way more congenial 
with the spirit of the gospel ; that is, by putting on 
that charity which is the bond of perfectness ; not by 
claiming dominion over each other's faith, but by be- 
ing helpers of each other's joy. May this charity 
reign in your hearts, this benevolence appear in your 
lives ; and may the God of peace dwell among you, 
and endue you with the richest blessings of his grace. 



APPENBIX. 



Weston lies about thirteen miles west of Boston. The post 
road froai Boston to New York passes through tlie centre of 
the town. Twenty years ago it was thought that there was 
more travel on this road than on any other of equal distance 
from any capital city in tlie union. Some diversion of the 
travel has been made, of late years, by turnpikes, and by other 
improvements of publick roads; but still it is a post road which 
retains a large portion of the travel. There is a post office in 
the town. A very considerable road, leading to Lancaster, 
passes through the north part of the town ; another of less tra- 
vel, leading to Framingham, through the south part of the 
town. 

The town is bounded, north, on Lincoln ; east, on Wal- 
tham, stony brook being in part the line ; southeast, on Charles 
river, which divides it from Newton ; south, on Needham, 
which was originally a part of Dedham ; southwest, on Natick ; 
west, on East-Sudbury. It is in general an uneven, and in 
some parts, a broken tract of land. High clefts, or ledges, of 
rocks are found within its limits. Probably Mount Feake, 
and the other very high rock, mentioned in Gov. Winthrop's 
Journal, lie within its boundary. A considerable proportion 
of the town is elevated above the common level of the adjacent 
country, and gives an extensive view of otlier parts. A hill of 
excellent land on the southwesterly part of the town presents 
a very extensive, and, in the month of May, a very romantick 
prospect. The soil in the elevated and rocky parts of the 
town is, in general, a deep red strong loam, very favourable to 
the growth of fruit trees. There are several tracts of plain 
land ; but Ihese are of no considerable extent. The hills are 



57 

mostly spriuijy, and very little subject either to frost or drought. 
A number uf brooks aud rivulets accommodate the iuliabitants, 
and pay tlieir tribute to the bordering streams. The greatest 
part of these brooks rise within the town, and are fed by springs. 
A part of None-such-Pond, so called, falls withiu the south- 
western limits of the town. There are few or no stagnant 
waters ; but several tracts of meadow that abound with excel- 
lent peat. There are no very noticeable natural curiosities, ex- 
cept a horizontal cave which is found on the westerly side of 
Snake-rock, so called, near Stony-Brook bridge. This cave 
is not large at its entrance, nor in any of its known dimensions. 
Tradition says that it has formerly been the depository of stol- 
en goods. 

The inhabitants of the town are mostly industrious farmers, 
a class of men, which, in a country like ours, merits the high 
consideration and esteem of every other class. 

There is a congregational, baptist, and mcthodist meeting- 
house within the territory. The town is divided Into six school- 
districts, each having a school-house, and its proportion of 
schooling. 

On the whole, the town, notwithstanding its rocky and rug- 
ged appearance in some parts of it, is pleasant, and contains a 
considerable portion of good land. The character of its inhab- 
itants would not suffer by a comparison with those of almost 
any other town in the Commonwealth of no greater advantages. 
They have merited the confidence and esteem of the writer 
for thirty years ; and will accept his acknowledgments for the 
candour, with which they have, in general, treated him, and 
accepted his services among them. 



58 



JsrOTE {on Dr. KendaVs J^ote, p. 19. J by Jl. H. 

The Author of the Sermon, in a letter to the writer of this 
Note, observes : « The Note relating to (he order in which 
" Watertown church is placed, was inserted to invite inquiry. 
" Truth should be the only object. As you have been so 
" obliging, as to inspect the proof sheets, and, observing that 
" note, to make further inquiry into the subject; by placing 
" the result of your investigation iinmediately after my short 
^' Appendix, you m ill increase the obligations of 

<• Your friend and brother, 

«' S. K." 

The argument for arranging the ehurclies in a different order, from 
that generallj' observed in our histories, is founded on the single fact. 
That the Watertown settlers entered into Covenant July SO, 1630. The 
question is. Was a church formed at the signing of tiiis' Covenant I Or, 
Was this a preparatory solemnity ? The supposition in your Note is, 
That the church was thetiforined ; the following considerations may fur- 
nish presumptive evidence. That it was hut a preparatory exercise. 

1. The Fast, observed that day, was not for the purpose of gathering 
churches. At the instance of governor Winthrop, the 30th day of July, 
1630, was observed as a day of solemn fasting and prayer, by all the peo- 
ple in Massachusetts, and by the people of Plymouth. (Prince, p. 243. 
Morton's N. Eng. Memorial, A. D. 1630.) The first cause of this solem- 
nity Avas, nothing of an ecclesiastical nature, but the prevatent sickness at 
Charlestown. A secondary design of it was, " to seek tlie Lord in his 
" ordinances, that then such godly pei-aons among them as know each 
" other, may publickly at the end of their exercise make known their de- 
" sire and practise tlie same by solemnly entering into covenant with him 
" to walk in his \v.iys." (Prince, 243. Morton.) At the close of the 
])ublic solemnity of the day, governor Winthrop, deputy governor Dud- 
ley, Mr. Johnson, and Rev. My. Wilson, of the Charlestown settlers, and 
Sir R. Saltonstal and others of the Watertown settlers, subscribed res- 
pectively a covenant. Had the formation of a church been intended, in 
either of these instances, would not the design have been more distinctly 
declared beforehand, and the public solemnity itself expressly directed 
to this great object, agreeably to the usage of the New England chmxh- 
es from the beginning ? 

2. Though a covenant was signed at Charlestown 50 July, 1630, yet 
"the church is not dated from that day. A supposition is made in your 
Note, that the four, who signed the covenant at Charlestown, "agi-eed 
" upon a form of covenant, and took preparatory steps to the gathering of 
♦• a church, which was effected the 27th of the following montli.'* These 
four, not being a competent number, " might not consider themselves to 
** be a church, but design to prepare the w^y to erect one in due form." 
Had not such preparation been judged expedient, it would seem sti-ange, 
that the Charlestown church was not organi-^ed in due form on the same 
day. The want of a sufficient number of candidates for membership can 
hardly be supposed, when it is considered, that all the fleet had now ar^ 



59 

rived from England ; that seven ships had come into Charlestbwn dtu-ing- 
the month of July ; and that when the church was Ibrmed, 27 August 
following, ahoiit 90 were admitted members. [See Emerson's Hist, of 
First Chc.rch.] If, then, the Fathers of the colony thought it proper to 
have a covenant subscribed, preparatory to the organiziition of a cluirch, 
why might not the Watertown people entertain the same opinion, and ob- 
serve the same preliminary ? 

3. The Form of the C >venant, subscribed by the Watertown settlers, 
bears marks of a more general design than that of organization : " Be- 
" ing safely arrived here, and thus far onwards peaceably preserved by 
" his special Providence, that we may bring forth our intentions into ac- 
" tions and perfect our resolutions, in the beginnings of some just and 
" meet executions, we have separated the day — and dedicated it whol- 
" ly to the Lord — tliat we might know what w-as good in liis sigljt."— 
" And the Lord was intreated for us. For in the end of that day after 
" the finishing of oiu- publick duties, we do all, before wc depart, solemn- 
" ly and with all our lieaits, personally, man by man, for ourselves and 
" our's promise, "&c. Morton's manner of relating the public solemnity of 
July 30 is not unlike the above, and seems to denote an incipient and prepar- 
atory exercise, not the complete formation of a churcli : *' And the Lord 
" was entreated not only to asswage tlie sickness, but also encouraged 
" their hearts to a beginning, and in some shoit time after to a funlier 
" progress in the great work of erecting a way ot worshipping of Christ 
" in church fellowship, according to tlie primitive institution." Memorial. 
Dr. Mather's manner of narrating this iransaction, in the Magnalia, de* 
serves notice : '* About 40 men subscribed this instrument, in order to 
" their coa'eaceiicc into a Church Estate. But in after lime, they that join- 
" ed unto the Church, subscribed a Form of the Covenant aomGwhit alter- 
*• ed, with a Coiifvssion of Faith annexed unto it." 

4. It was the early practice oi'the Nev/ England churches to observe a day 
of Fasting and Prayer, previously to tiie organization of a churcIi, and to 
sign a covenant personally by themselves on that day. For this fact we 
have Dr. C. Mather's own authority. " I'he persons who are engaging 
♦' and combining for the weighty undertaking of gathering a Chuich, set 
" apart a day to be spent by them together in Prayer witli Fasting, that they 
" may prepare for what is before them, and confess their dependence on 
" Heaven for favours which they own themselves unworthy otj and obtain 
" the blessing of God (on which day they privately together sign their 
*' covenant). Sometimes more than one such day ; sometimes in a pub- 
" lie assembly, where the neighbouring pastors come to instruct and as- 
*• sist them. They think it proper to make a very great prejjaration for 
" an undertaking the most holy, and awful, and lieavenly, that can be on 
" this side of Heaven engaged in. — In time convenient the good men of 
" this intention, (who from first to last, privately wait upon pastors in tlie 
" neighbourhood for their direction) send letters unto the pastors and 
** churches of the neighbouring towns" — The Council, thus invited, con- 
venes, " and chus'.ng their moderator, the candidates of the new church 
" appear before them, and present unto them a Confession of their Faith, 
" and therewithal the Covenant or Engagement, in which they recognize 
" their obfigations, &c. They produce also the testimonials of the allow. 
♦•- ance whirh the churches whereto they formerly belonged, have given 
*• them to transfer their more immediate relation imto the society nuvi to 
•• be gathered.^' Ratio Disciplinse Fratrum Nov-Anglorum, p. 3, 4. 
An example of this usage is recorded by Df. Trumbull. The New iia^ 



60 

ven settlers arrived at Quinipiack in April, 1638. Soon after, on a day of 
fasting- and prayer, " the first day of extraordinary humiliation they had 
*' after they came together," they entered into a solemn covenant, *' That 
" as in matters that concern the gathering and ordering of a church, so 
" likewise in all public offices vvliich concern civil order, Stc. they 
** would all of them be ordered l)y the rules, which the scripture held 
'* forth to them. This covenant was called a plantation covenant, to dis- 
" tinguishit from a church covenant, a church not being then gathered, 
" but was deferred till a church might be gathered, according to God." 
See Fundamental articles of the colony of New Haven in Trumbull's 
Hist, of Connecticut, i. p. 534. On this subject Dr. Trumbull remarks : 
" This was adopted as a general agreement, until there should be time 
" for the people to become more intimately acquainted with each other's 
" religious views, sentiments, and moral conduct ; whicli was supposed 
" to be necessary to prepare the way for their covenanting together, as 
" Christians, in church state." Ibid. p. 91. Tlie church of New Haven 
(as appeal's from the same History, p. 298 ) was not gathered until the 
22 August, 1639. The chu'ch of Salem, in 1629, appears to have been 
formed in the same manner, after " a day of religious preparation " See 

Prince, 190, and Bentley's Hist. Salem in Hist. Coll. vi. 242. Although 

therefore, when cursorily treating of the Watertown settlers, in a Bio- 
graphical sketch of their minister (Rev. Mr. Phillips), Dr. Mather seems 
to represent them as formed into a church state 30 July, 1630 ; yet there 
is room to doubt, whether he considered the covenant, signed on that day, 
as the formation of a chiuxh. 

5. That he did not so consider it, we should naturally infer from his 
own arrangement of the order of chuixhes, when professedly giving a 
Historical account of " The Progress of the New Colony." Magnalia, 
Book I. chap. v. " First, there was a church thus gathered at Charles- 
" TOWN, on the north side of Charles River ; where keeping a solemn 
*' Fast on August 27, 1630, to implore the conduct and blessing of heaven 
" on their Ecclesiastical Proceedings they chose Mr. Wilson to be their 
" teacher— —After the gathering of the church at Charlestown there 
" quickly followed another at the town of Dorchester. And after Dor- 
" Chester there followed another at the town of Boston, which issued 

"out of Charlestown To Boston soon succeeded a church at Roxbu- 

" RY ; to Roxbiirv, one at Lyn ; to Lyn, one at Watertown." 



ERRATA. 
Page 10, line 16 from top, for * churces,' read churches. 
Page 19, line 10 from top, for 'history,' read affairs. 
Page 33, line 13 from bottom, for • next precinct,* read west precinct. 
Page 45, in the note, last line of first paragraph, after ' 89th,* insert year. 









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